Undergraduate Minor in STEM Education
Preparing STEM educators to advance the understanding of
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
STEM Education comprises a partnership in the University of Arkansas between its Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences and College of Education and Health Professions.
Enhance your STEM degree with valuable communication skills by pursuing any of these options:
- Earn a certificate in STEM Education — 9 credits
- Earn a minor in STEM Education — 15 credits
- Earn an Arkansas teaching license in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics for grades 7-12 or Computer Science licensure in grades 4-12
- Graduate in four years with multiple career options
Three options for undergraduates illustrated (PDF)
Choose from the three introductory courses below (1, 2 or 3 credit hours) to explore the above options.
STEM 1201 Intro to Teaching STEM Subjects
This course provides a preview of what it is like to teach STEM subjects. Engaging activities that model effective teaching practices, discussions of STEM education issues, and optional school observations will help STEM majors clarify interest in teaching as a career or as an additional skill as a STEM professional. Fulfills freshman requirement: UNIV 1001 University Perspectives.
STEM 1212 Inquiry Approach to Teaching STEM Subjects
Along with learning classroom strategies for engaging students and organizing a lesson, student pairs plan and teach three inquiry-based lessons (choice of math, science, or computer science) in a local school classroom. For STEM majors but open to all who are interested in exploring teaching as an additional career option.
Note: Class will meet twice a week for the first four weeks and for the last week. In between, class will meet only once a week (Tuesdays) to compensate for time spent at schools. Students without transportation will be paired with students who can drive to schools.
STEM 2003 The Art of STEM Communication
It is widely known that breakdown of communication contributes to mistrust and misunderstanding of the scientific enterprise. In this dynamic, interdisciplinary course including guest lesctures, socio-scientific issues, and theatre-style methods, students will learn to communicate complex STEM topics clearly and effectively using research-based practices from the field of education. Fufills a social science elective for State Minimum Core.
One Great Career Option
"Education empowers students by giving them the skill set and confidence to solve problems in their lives and change the world." — Chris Malone
"Computer Science is not about teaching a student how to code or how to use a computer. It is about teaching a student that no matter what the challenge is, it can be overcome." — Nate Vogel
"I love seeing students develop confidence in themselves and pride in their work!" — Clair Mulvihill
What are the benefits of getting certified to teach secondary math, science or computer science?
- There is a shortage of math, science, or computer science teachers. Move almost anywhere across our nation, and you will find schools looking to hire math, science, or computer science teachers.
- Use your teaching certificate when you graduate, or use it after you've worked in industry for a while.
- As a teacher, you can share your love and enthusiasm for your subject to empower and inspire the next generation.
- Teaching is a rewarding career: You can transform the lives of students, and discover that they transform your life.
- The art of teaching is a creative endeavor. Designing innovative lessons to engage students is fun and satisfying.
This undergrad minor academic program formerly was called UAteach.